The Supreme Court has issued an interim order regarding the writ challenging the appointment of Uddhav Thapa as the Chief Minister of Koshi Province. The writ was filed by Hikmat Kumar Karki, leader of the CPN-UML and outgoing Chief Minister, alleging that Uddhav Thapa of the Nepali Congress was appointed as Chief Minister by Parashuram Khapung, the Chief Minister, in violation of the constitution.
On July 12, Justice Sapna Malla Pradhan’s bench issued an interim order to Uddhav Thapa after considering the writ, instructing him not to make any decisions with long-term implications until the case is resolved.
The Supreme Court has further directed Uddhav Thapa to submit supporting documents, evidence, signatures of provincial assembly members, and the decision of Province Chief Parshuram Khapung by July 3, 080. The court has scheduled an appearance on July 23 and will continue the hearing from that date onwards, as stated in the order.
Hikmat Kumar Karki filed a writ of mandamus, invoking Article 168(3) of the Constitution, demanding his own appointment as the Chief Minister, asserting that Uddhav Thapa’s appointment was invalid under Article 168(2).
The respondents in Karki’s writ include Province Chief Parshuram Khapung, Speaker Baburam Gautam, and newly appointed Chief Minister Thapa.
During the proceedings, senior advocates Satish Krishna Kharel, Ravinarayan Khanal, Surendra Bhandari, Tikaram Bhattarai, Amar Thapa, Kedar Prasad Dahal, Krishnabhakta Pokharel, and Ramesh Kharel presented arguments on behalf of the petitioner.